Polo, the sport of kings, gallops in to Shropshire
It is known as the sport of the elite, from rich businessmen to members of the Royal family. But now the sport of polo has found a new home in Shropshire, thanks to a couple who say they want it to be enjoyed by everyone.
Bob Broster and his wife Delina have played the sport all their lives, travelling across the world for competitions.
When they moved to the region they wanted to bring polo with them but found it difficult to seek out the land they needed in the rolling hills of the Shropshire border.
Now the couple have found the ideal venue for their Mid Wales and Shropshire Polo Academy in the Radfords Equestrian Centre at Llanymynech, near Oswestry.
Already horse enthusiasts, they have signed up to training days and workshops with the academy and a special open day will be held there next month.
The event, on April 23, will include demonstrations, an equine and dog-based car boot sale.
"We will even have a bucking bronco for aspiring riders to have a go on," Mrs Broster said.
She said the couple had been involved in horses and in polo all their lives.
"Bob has been a professional player much of his life as well as a farrier. We have been all over the world including New Zealand," Mrs Broster added.
"He even had his own jousting team."
The couple moved to Castle Caereinion but were unable to find land flat enough for a polo field until they joined forces with the equestrian centre in Llanymynech.
"There is a great indoor school where we can teach the basics of polo, safely, in a controlled environment," Mrs Broster said.
"Novices will sit on our specially made wooden horses to learn how to hold a mallet and understand the rules before progressing on to one of our own polo ponies. Polo is known as an elite sport but we want to make it more accessible to everyone.
"People have to be able to ride of course but they don't have to have their own horse.
"Polo ponies are specially bred and trained for the sport and so anyone joining the academy would use our ponies.
"We would also welcome people who have played polo in the past."
Anyone interested in the academy or the open day can call (01938) 850448 and find more information on its Facebook page.
